Uses for Purified Oligos
Scientists have been researching genetics for hundreds of years, and those strides have granted us greater accessibility to DNA and the human genome. Since the 1970s, we’ve worked with DNA sequences in order to develop cures for diseases and other important applications that effect our daily lives. Oligos are crucial to the advancement of genetics and micro-biology, and there are many types in existence. Depending on their goals, researchers might use purified oligos to do any of the following.
Protein Synthesis and Purification
An oligonucleotide is synthesized using a building block of sorts. Using a procedure that scientists call “the synthetic cycle,” the chain of oligonucleuotides proceeds to a 5’ terminus. This is an important part of isolating a particular strand of DNA, which is used constantly in the research of disease and genetics.
Both HPLC and PAGE purification play an important role in this process. Scientists can now analyze proteins in a number of ways. For one, they can observe separation by polarity. Proteins can also separate based on size or weight of the molecule.
Anti-Sense
Scientists can use anti-sense oligonucleotides to communicate with certain messenger strands of RNA. It’s a method used to target specific segments of DNA or RNA, allowing scientists to test and interact with our genes. It’s now considered a basic aspect of developmental biology, and the use of anti-sense oligonucleotides has expanded to include the study of gene expression and function.
Final Thoughts
Purified oligos satisfy a number of important research needs. While they are usually the cheapest aspect of an experiment, their quality can make or break the result. They are an important part of micro-biology and have helped to advance our understanding of human genetics.
Bio: The Midland Certified Reagent Company specializes in the production of oligos, including two types of HPLC purification: Anion Exchange and Reverse Phase. For more information, contact The Midland Certified Reagent Company